Trauma
Direct trauma, such as hitting the ground on your golf swing, can cause injury to the wrist and hand. This is one of the more common causes of wrist and hand pain. Improper hitting or punching techniques can cause wrist or hand injuries and possibly hairline fractures.
Repetitive Motions
Hand & wrist pain can be caused by excessive and repetitive motion. This motion can be contributed to Carpel Tunnel Syndrome and De Quervain’s tendinitis.
Carpel Tunnel is a passage in the wrist which nine tendons pass, as well as the median nerve. Any inflammation in the carpal tunnel will cause the median nerve to be compressed. The median nerve goes on to the thumb, forefinger middle finger and ring finger. This can result in a burning, tingling feeling, numbness and pain.
De Quervain’s tendinitis occurs where the coverings of the tendons that lead from the wrist to the thumb become irritated and cause tenderness and pain in the area. The repetitive action of typing can bring on De Quervain’s tendinitis. Other activities that involve the gripping of tools such as playing golf can also experience tendinitis.
Head & Neck Problems
A common cause of pain in the wrist and hand is the position of your neck. The nerves that power your hand come from your neck. When sitting at your computer, your neck may be in an improper position and over time this may compromise nerves. When these nerves are compromised, you may experience traveling pain in your hands. This could make your hands vulnerable to repetitive stress injury.
Wrist and hand pain is common and can worsen over time if not properly addressed. If this pain is minor, a physical therapist can immediately address pain and begin the recovery process. A physical therapist not only can help in the recovery but can also prevent future injuries to the wrist and hand. A licensed physical therapist can provide exercises and education to help strengthen the area and its surrounding muscles. If the pain is severe and requires surgery, a physical therapy appointment is very beneficial BEFORE the surgery to evaluate your overall condition and determine your recovery expectations. Working with a trained physical therapist will greatly benefit the recovery process.